District of Columbia injury claims
The District is one of the few remaining jurisdictions that follows contributory negligence principles, under which an injured person’s own negligence can bar recovery entirely rather than merely reducing it. That single rule shapes how a District claim must be built. Mr. Sris is admitted in the District of Columbia.
Contributory negligence
Because even a modest share of fault attributed to the injured person can defeat a claim outright, District cases require attention to the plaintiff’s own conduct from the beginning — not defensively, but as a matter of building the record before the defense frames it. Recognized exceptions exist, including the last clear chance doctrine and a separate standard applicable to some pedestrian and cyclist claims, and whether one applies is a question worth analyzing early.
Claims against the District government
A claim against the District government carries a notice-of-claim requirement with a six-month period, which is far shorter than the limitations period for the underlying claim and operates as a hard gate. A claim involving a District vehicle, a District employee, or a hazard on District property should be assessed immediately rather than at leisure, because the notice deadline can expire long before anyone considers filing suit.
Filing deadlines in the District
Personal injury actions in the District are generally subject to a three-year period under D.C. Code § 12-301(8), accruing at the date of injury. The District has no malpractice-specific limitation statute; the same three-year catch-all applies, with a discovery rule. Wrongful death claims carry a two-year period from the date of death under D.C. Code § 16-2702, raised from one year by the Wrongful Death Act of 2012, and are brought by the personal representative. The six-month notice requirement for claims against the District government applies on top of these. Confirm the deadline on your own facts.
Pages in this section
This section covers District of Columbia motor vehicle, premises and government-entity injury claims.
Speak with Mr. Sris
Injury claims are governed by filing deadlines that vary by state and by claim type, and evidence degrades quickly. Request a consultation. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747. Consultations are by appointment.
Last reviewed: August 22, 2026.
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